Asphalt 8: Airborne

Asphalt 8: Airborne is a 2013 racing video game, developed by Gameloft Barcelona and published by Gameloft as part of the Asphalt series. It was released on August 22, 2013 for iOS and Android,[1] November 13 for Windows 8.1[2] and Windows Phone 8,[3] January 15, 2014 for BlackBerry 10.[4] and April 5, 2015 for Tizen. The game's successor Asphalt 9: Legends was announced on February 26, 2018. The game has about 350 million players, according to the game description in the App Store and Microsoft Store.

Asphalt 8: Airborne
Developer(s)Gameloft Barcelona[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Gameloft
SeriesAsphalt
Platform(s)
ReleaseiOS & Android
  • WW: August 22, 2013[1]
Windows 8.1 & Windows Phone 8
BlackBerry 10
  • WW: January 15, 2014[4]
Tizen
  • WW: April, 2015
tvOS
  • WW: October 30, 2015[5]
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, online multiplayer

Gameplay

Gameplay is similar to that of Asphalt 7: Heat, with the player given four control options: "Tilt to steer" (auto-acceleration with movement controlled by tilting the device), "Tilt and icons" (manual acceleration via an on-screen icon, with movement controlled by tilting the device), "On-screen controls" (auto-acceleration with movement controlled by an on-screen virtual steering-wheel), "Tap to steer" (auto-acceleration with movement controlled by tapping the side of the screen). The Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 versions feature different control schemes, including the traditional WASD and the up, down, left, right keyboard scheme.

The five star rating system for each race, the use of primary and secondary objectives introduced in Asphalt 6: Adrenaline and also used in Asphalt 7 have all been retained in Asphalt 8. Three stars are awarded for finishing in first place, two for second, and one for third. Achieving secondary objectives, such as performing a given number of stunts or knocking down opponents, awards the player with two additional stars. This is the same in Moto Blitz and Championships but you have to complete the primary objectives before unlocking the secondary objectives. Obtaining stars in an event is cumulative – players who finished first in an event without completing the secondary objectives may replay the race and obtain a five-star rating even if the primary objectives are not met. The core gameplay is slightly different, however. As the subtitle implies, the focus of Airborne is on jumping, with tracks featuring a lot more ramps than in previous games.[6] In addition to performing standard jumps, the player can also perform flat spins (by drifting onto a ramp) and barrel rolls (by driving off of a curved ramp). It is also possible to perform a barrel roll by driving with 1 side on a normal ramp.[7] All jumps earn nitro boost; the longer the airtime, the more boost earned. Destroying obstacles such as barriers and lamp posts, hitting traffic cars, or almost hitting traffic cars (near misses) also earns nitros. Another new feature, which substitutes the "Adrenaline mode" in Asphalt 6 and 7, is the ability to perform a "Perfect Nitro". When the player hits boost, a small red zone appears in the boost bar. If the player hits boost again when the boost meter is in the red zone, the car will accelerate even faster, with the boost lasting until the player runs out of boost, brakes, crashes or hits a ramp.

In the initial version of the game, the career mode consisted of 180 events split into eight "seasons", which become progressively more difficult.[8][9] In later versions, additional challenges and seasons were added. As of March 2020, Asphalt developed a total of nine seasons, excluding the "McLaren Legends Season". When the game begins, only Season One is available. Later seasons must be unlocked either by earning a certain number of stars or by purchasing a "Season Unlock" in the in-app store. You cannot unlock a season through an in-app purchase unless you have played and earnt the required amount of stars to unlock the previous season or purchased the previous season.[10] The Great Wall update added 30 new events centered on the Great Wall.[11] The Dubai update introduced a new season where only fully upgraded cars are eligible to participate, besides adding three new events centered on Dubai. The San Diego Harbor update introduced a new season featuring events where the player can participate in a twenty-four car race (Exclusive Metal Events – only on iOS 8), alongside several new events centered on both Dubai and the San Diego Harbor.

Asphalt 8 is the first game in the Asphalt series to use Game Center for achievements rather than Gameloft's own Gameloft Live.[12] The April 2015 update added support for the Apple Watch and made it compatible only on the iPhone 5 or later models using iOS 8.2 or later through the use of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The October 2015 update added support for the Apple TV.

Besides the use of stunt jumps as a central gameplay mechanic, Asphalt 8 also makes extensive use of simulated HDR rendering and pixel shaders, as seen on the sky and specular reflections on the road surface.

Online multiplayer mode can be played both locally via Wi-Fi, and globally via the internet. There is also a "World Series" online multiplayer mode, although this mode is unavailable on iPod touch 4th generation and iPhone 4.[13] Playing on multiplayer is the only way to increase a player's in-game level, to which more credits are awarded as the player levels up.[14] The Multiplayer League Update in October 2016 introduced a revamped multiplayer gameplay in the form of the "Multiplayer League", where players compete against each other in online multiplayer races to win exclusive rewards.

Vehicles

Asphalt 8: Airborne currently has 285 vehicles (270 cars & 14 motorcycles) which (9 others are no longer purchasable by non-owners due to licensing issues). Vehicles can't purchased with Tokens or Credits, can't assembled with blueprints (before December 2019), are unlocked through Car Mastery, or obtained through the special events.

The Free to Play Update released in November 2013 which adds four new cars: Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC, Lotus Evora Enduro GT, BMW M6 Coupe (F13) & Ferrari F430.

The Daily Bonus Update released in January 2014. it adds new cars: Ferrari 599XX, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 (2013), Ferrari LaFerrari, Pagani Huayra & W Motors Lykan HyperSport. It adds new gamemode: Daily Bonus.

The Great Wall Update released in March 2014. it adds new cars: Ford F-150, SRT 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Ferrari Testarossa, McLaren P1 & SSC Tuatara. It adds the new track: The Great Wall, which available on 6 variants, New Soundtracks, New Prices for Class A & Class S Cars.

The Fuel Events Update of June 2014 which add new cars: 2015 Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG, Ford 2006 GT, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Coupe Final Editon, Ferrari FF, Jaguar C-X75, Chrysler ME412 & Hennessey Venom GT. Some other events now requires Fuel as no Longer been rented manually, Car Collections added, Three New Loading screens, All cars (including SSC Tuatara) which more expensive upgrades than its previous updates.

The Dubai Update released in August 2014 which adds new cars: Jaguar F-Type R, Nissan GT-R NISMO, Mercedes-Benz Biome Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS & SSC Ultimate Aero XT. It adds new track: Dubai & new career mode: Season 9: Beyond (which requires an Fully-Upgraded cars).

The San Diego Harbor Update released in September 2014 which adds new cars: Mazda Furai, Peugeot Onyx, Maserati MC12, Savage Rivale GTR & Koenigsegg One:1. It adds new track: San Diego Harbor.

The Winter Update released in December 2014 which adds new cars: Renault DeZir, Ferrari 308 GTS, Felino cB7, Arrinera Hussarya, Acura NSX 2005, Rimac Concept One, Tramontana XTR & 9FF GT9 VMAX. It adds new track: Sector 8, an fictional race track & christmas decorations on race tracks.

The Decals Update (also known as Ferrari Update). released in March 2015 which adds 5 new Ferrari cars: Ferrari 612, Ferrari F40, Ferrari F50, Ferrari 330 P4 & Ferrari Enzo Ferrari. it adds new decals for many cars, revamping the garage & more.

An Sub-update named "More Than 300 Decals Update" released in April 2015. which also adds more than 300 Decals (including based on country flags) & no new cars added in this update.

The Tenerife Update released in May 2015. which adds new cars: BMW M3 Sedan, Volkswagen Golf Vision GTI, Audi R8 LMS Ultra, Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, & HTT Plethore LC 750. it adds new race track: Tenerife, new engine sounds: Cuda V8 & Bentley W12 & new decals for cars.

The Car Mastery Update released in July 2015 which adds new cars: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Shelby Cobra 427, Datsun 280Z, AC 378 GT Z. McLaren 675LT, & McLaren P1 GTR. It adds new gamemode: Car Mastery.

The Research & Development released in September/October 2015 which adds new cars: Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Kepler Motion, Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6, & Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4. It adds new gamemode: Research & Development.

The Santa's Gift Update released in December 2015 as the Game's Biggest Update which also adds new cars: Lamborghini Asterion, Lamborghini Egoista, McLaren F1 XP-5, McLaren 570S, DS 3 Racing, Mosler GT3, Renault Sport R.S. 01, & TRION NEMESIS. It adds new track: Area 51 & New Gamemode: Tag Racing.

The Lunar New Year Update released in February 2016 which adds new cars: Volkswagen Bettle Turbo, ED Design Torq, Alfa Romeo 4C, Lamborghini Miura, Rinspeed Zazen, Holden Coupe 60, Lamborghini Estoque, Sbarro Alcador, & Chevrolet 2016 Camaro SS. Which includes the Asia-themed R&D Events, New Decals for other cars & removal of the 2015 Chinese New Year Decals.

The Elite Cars Update released in April 2016 which adds new cars: Mazda 6, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Honda Integra Type-R, BMW 3.0. CSL Hommage, Mosler Super GT & Devel Sixteen Prototype. It adds The Elite Cars (an higher-performance car that can tune up with Elite Mapping), New Other Decals for cars & The BMW 3.0. CSL Hommage & Mosler Super GT which are both cars with Token-only Upgrades.

The Enduro Update released in June 2016 which adds new cars: Nissan Juke NISMO, Nanoflowcell Quantino, Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe Touring Car 2014, Jaguar XJ220S, NanoFlowcell Quant FE & Weber Faster One. It adds new gamemode: Enduro Double Down.

The Rio de Janeiro Update released in July 2016 which adds new cars: Donkervoort D8 GTO, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, BXR Bailey Blade GT1, Aston Martin One-77, 2015 GTA Spano & W Motors Fenyr SuperSport. It adds new Race Track: Rio de Janeiro.

The Multiplayer League Update released In October 2016 which adds new cars: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2016 Veloce, Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series, TVR Sagaris, Falcon F7, Icona Vulcano V12 Hybrid & GT by CITRÖEN. It adds new gamemode: Multiplayer League.

The Championship Update released in December 2016 which adds new cars: BMW M2, McLaren M14A, 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports, McLaren Mercedes MP4-25, Arash AF10, Aston Martin Vulcan & Mosler Land Shark. It adds new Gamemode: Championship, & PRO-only upgrade cars as introduced.

The 2017 Lunar New Year Update released in February 2017 which adds new cars: 1967 Chevrolet Impala, Buick Avista Concept, Renault Alpine Celebration, McLaren MP4/8, Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Special Edition, & Lamborghini Aventador SV. It adds the New Track: Patagonia & the "Special Edition" cars, an modified variant of real-life vehicle models with aftermarket wheels.

The Car Blueprints Update released in March 2017 which adds new cars: Sbarro Sparta, Ferrari GTC4Lusso, Lotus Evora Sport 410, SIN R1, Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport & McLaren MP4-31. It adds the "Blueprints", which can't assembled the car (as first appeared in Asphalt Street Storm Racing).

The Porsche Update released in June 2017 as the first game appearance of Porsche, as event series called "Porsche Motor Series" and also added new cars: Porsche 959, Porsche 718 Boxster S, Porsche Cayman GT4, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, & Porsche 918 Spyder with Weissach Package. The RUF CTR 3, 9FF GT9 VMAX, Rinspeed Zazen & RUF CTR 3 are the Porsche-based cars which removed in this update (due to Licensing Issues with Porsche), The Two Car Collections: "German Steel" & "Winter Came" which now updated to exclude the 9FF, CTR 3 & RT 12 S in two collections.

The Motorcycles Update released in August 2017 as the update reintroduced the Motorcycles (since first one in Asphalt 6: Adrenaline) and also adds new vehicles: Suzuki GSX-R750, Peugeot RCZ R, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, Ducati Monster 1200, Ducati SuperSport S, Suzuki Hayabusa & Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. It adds new vehicle type: Motorcycles, New Gamemode: Moto Blitz & New Nitro Booster: Focus Booster.


Soundtrack

Asphalt 8 is the first game in the series to feature a licensed soundtrack. When playing the game, there are three selectable "stations": bass, rock, and electronic. The songs that are available are "Be Electric" by The Qemists, "Etude" by Nero, "Rocksteady" by The Bloody Beetroots, "Fire Inside" by Gemini, "Stamina" by Vitalic, "Burn It Down" by AWOLNATION, "Underdog" by Kasabian, "Play For Real" by The Crystal Method (Dirtyphonics Remix), "Professional Griefers" by Deadmau5, "Go with the Flow" by Queens of the Stone Age, "Holdin' On" by MONSTA (Skrillex ft. Nero Remix), and "Pulsar" by Celldweller. The March 2014 update added four new songs: "Animals" by Martin Garrix, "Over It" by The Crystal Method, "Asleep at the Wheel" by Band of Skulls, and "Cannibal" by Silversun Pickups.

Reception
Asphalt 8: Airborne
(iOS version)
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic91/100[15]
Review scores
PublicationScore
IGN7.8/10[16]
148 Apps[8]
AppSpy5/5[10]
Digital Spy[17]
Gamezebo[18]
MacLife[7]
Pocket Gamer9/10[9]
TouchArcade[6]

Asphalt 8 received critical acclaim from critics and became the leading game of its genre. The iOS version holds an aggregate score of 91 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on eighteen reviews.[15]

TouchArcade's Eric Ford gave the game a perfect score, 5 out of 5, calling it the "pinnacle" of the Asphalt series. He was particularly impressed with the new jump-focused gameplay and the graphics, arguing that "the graphics engine does a great job of imparting that sense of speed that is essential for a game that thrives on fast gameplay". His only criticism was what he perceived as a disparity between the price of some of the cars and the reward money given to the play; "as you get towards the really expensive cars, you'll notice that you don't earn quite as much money proportionally to afford what you might want." However, he saw this as a "minor complaint" and concluded by saying "the iOS platform has quietly become a haven for great racers, and Asphalt 8 looks to be leading the pack right now."[6] AppSpy's James Gilmour also gave the game 5 out of 5, praising the controls, the range of tracks, cars and upgrades. He argued that "Asphalt 8: Airborne plays like a greatest hits compilation of arcade racers. Perhaps you enjoyed the powerslide from Out Run and Ridge Racer? Or the nitro boosts and takedown challenges from Burnout? Well, you'll find them all in Asphalt 8. The good news is that rather than Gameloft simply ripping off aspects of other games and mashing them randomly together, the dev has managed create a polished, adrenaline-infused racer which is way more fun than it has any right to be [...] Though Asphalt 8: Airborne's parts may be borrowed, they have been skilfully assembled to build a highly entertaining vehicle."[10] MacLife's Andrew Hayward also awarded a perfect 5 out of 5 score, feeling the game reverses the sense of stagnation which had crept into the Asphalt series by the time of Asphalt 7, and arguing that it "essentially feels like a reboot in terms of quality. It's actually a rather amazing feat". He compared the game to Real Racing 3, praising Asphalt 8 for featuring a "real" multiplayer mode. He concluded that "what began life as a passable mobile diversion nearly a decade ago has finally blossomed into a racing experience that's frantic, hearty, and really rather impressive throughout. Asphalt 8: Airborne blurs the line between mobile and console racers, with an amazing asking price to boot, and it's easily the best racer of its kind on the App Store today."[7]

Andrew Stevens of 148Apps scored the game 4.5 out of 5, arguing that it takes the Asphalt series "to a new height." He too praised the new jump-focused gameplay; "I've always had great fun with arcade racers and enjoyed the previous Asphalt entries, but something as simple as adding ramps and a few stunts to the action has really taken this series in a new direction." He concluded that "Asphalt 8: Airborne is a great addition to the series and arcade racing fans will find themselves very happy with its offerings."[8] Gamezebo's David Oxford also awarded a score of 4.5 out of 5, praising the new jump-focused gameplay, the graphics, the range of cars, the level design and the use of licensed music. Although, he was critical of the drifting mechanics, he concluded that "Asphalt 8: Airborne's numerous features and modes, including multiplayer, help round out this package. It's an easy recommendation for anyone who likes their racers a little more realistic than a cartoon kart racer, but with a healthy dose of over-the-top arcade action."[18]

Pocket Gamer scored the game 9 out of 10, also giving it a "Gold Award". Reviewer Harry Slater compared the game to Real Racing 3, arguing "If Real Racing 3 is a precision instrument, then Asphalt 8: Airborne is a lump hammer [...] there's a simple arcade glory to the proceedings, which leaves you with a smile on your face after every breathtaking dash to the line. So while Asphalt 8: Airborne might not be subtle, every second you spend in its company is exhilarating fun." He praised the level design, control options, the nitro system, and the use of shortcuts on every track. He concluded that "Asphalt 8: Airborne might not be the best-looking racer out there, and it certainly isn't the most realistic, but as an arcade blast it's hard to top. Its powerslides are that bit madder, its jumps that bit more ludicrous, and its takedowns that more satisfying than its nearest competitors. This is a racer that concentrates on fun above anything else, and it hits its mark almost every time. If you're a fan of gaming with a grin on your face, then Asphalt 8: Airborne is going to be right up your street."[9]

IGN's Steve Watts was less impressed, scoring the game 7.8 out of 10. Although he praised the graphics and gameplay, he was critical of the in-app purchase system; "By the time I reached the mid-point, the hodgepodge of car requirements felt like an unworkable maze. I constantly needed more stars, but by that point progression required me to spend a large wad of cash on a car that might only be useful for one event. I would begrudgingly buy it, earn the five stars available in that event, and then go looking for another that could slowly inch me towards the next season. Of course, Asphalt is more than happy to remind you that you can simply purchase some cars or in-game currency to speed up the process." He concluded that "Asphalt 8: Airborne is a highly polished racer with loads of content, but its pacing is slowed by aggressive gating that pushes too hard toward its in-app purchases. The later season requirements are too intrusive and the grind starts to wear thin after a while."[16]

Notes
  1. Additional work by Gameloft Saigon, Gameloft Montreal, Gameloft Madrid, Gameloft Kharkiv, Gameloft Bucharest, and Alive Interactive Media, Inc.

References
  1. Saleem, Hammad (August 17, 2013). "Asphalt 8:Airborne to Launch on August 22 for iOS and Android". Geeky Gadgets. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  2. Sabri, Sam (November 13, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne jumps onto Windows 8, download now to race on your Surface". Windows Phone Central. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  3. Rubino, Daniel (November 13, 2013). "Gameloft's Asphalt 8: Airborne arrives for Windows Phone 8 as a non-Xbox racer". Windows Phone Central. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  4. Bla1ze (January 15, 2014). "Gameloft launches Asphalt 8: Airborne on BlackBerry 10". CrackBerry. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  5. "Gameloft Announces the Launch of two of its Successful Franchises for the New Apple TV". Cision. October 30, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  6. Ford, Eric (August 21, 2013). "'Asphalt 8: Airborne' Review – An Amazing Arcade Racing Experience". TouchArcade. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  7. Hayward, Andrew (August 22, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". MacLife. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  8. Stevens, Andrew (August 22, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". 148Apps. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  9. Slater, Harry (August 22, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  10. Gilmour, James (September 3, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". AppSpy. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  11. "Asphalt 8: Airborne Updated With Twitch Integration, New Great Wall Location, More". iClarified. March 21, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  12. Koziara, Andrew (August 23, 2013). "iPhone App Video Review: Asphalt 8: Airborne". Appolicious. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  13. "Asphalt 8: Airborne". iTunes Store. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  14. Multiplayer games for Android
  15. "Asphalt 8: Airborne (iOS)". Metacritic. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  16. Watts, Steve (September 26, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". IGN. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  17. Nichols, Scott (August 27, 2013). "Mobile reviews: 'Asphalt 8: Airborne', 'Sheep Happens'". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
  18. Oxford, David (August 27, 2013). "Asphalt 8: Airborne Review". Gamezebo. Retrieved September 6, 2013.
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